Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients Recovering from COVID-19

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> In hospitalized patients recovering from the SARS-coronavirus-2 disease 19 (COVID-19), high prevalence of muscle weakness and physical performance impairment has been observed. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in these subjects in a real-life setting. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective data analysis of patients recovering from COVID-19, including those requiring assisted ventilation or oxygen therapy, consecutively admitted to an in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation program between April 1 and August 15, 2020. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB: primary outcome), Barthel Index (BI), and six-min walking distance were assessed as outcome measures. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Data of 140 patients were analyzed. After rehabilitation, patients showed improvements in SPPB {from: (median [IQR]) 0.5 (0–7) to 7 (4–10), <i>p</i> < 0.001} and BI (from 55 [30–90] to 95 [65–100], <i>p</i> < 0.001), as well as in other assessed outcome measures. The proportion of patients unable at admission to stand, rise from a chair and walk was significantly reduced (<i>p</i> < 0.00). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Pulmonary rehabilitation is possible and effective in patients recovering from COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients surviving COVID-19 infection.